Since I last spoke with you, I was fresh off the sets of Ashes Of Eden and Surrender – a feature film in which I played the lead role, taking a church hostage. Since then, I’ve moved to Atlanta and had quite a journey pursuing acting while navigating life changes. I even ended up homeless, sleeping in my car and attending auditions. Thankfully, I’m no longer homeless and have overcome some serious injuries that temporarily halted my acting career.
Since my injuries, I haven’t actively pursued acting—it’s been pursuing me. I’ve received unexpected phone calls that have brought me back in front of the camera. First, I starred as the lead antagonist in a 1920s period feature film called Time Boys 2, and now, I’m working on a project called Wild Faith Christmas, a sequel to the well-received film Wild Faith. In this new film, I play an outlaw, and it’s been a really fun project to be a part of. I also got married to Tris Marie and bought a house!
Ashes Of Eden Theatrical Trailer
indieactivity: How’d you get involved in Wild Faith Christmas? What drew you to the role of the outlaw in this sequel?
Steven Sutherland (SS): Well, I wasn’t expecting to be a part of it at all. It’s funny—when I first worked with Shane Hagedorn, he cast me because of a monologue I did on YouTube. This situation isn’t much different, except for the experience I’ve gained as an actor along the way. Shane saw one of the characters I created for fun on YouTube and asked if I could do a reading similar to it. I’ve always wanted to play an outlaw. It’s the beard, the hard face, the no-nonsense badass. It’s totally opposite to who I am in real life. But, I get to take the parts of me that are similar to a real outlaw and amplify them in my character. There’s always a part of me in every role I play.
What challenges did you face in preparing for this role?
Steven Sutherland (SS): The biggest challenge I’m facing is the physicality of the role. I have pins in my hip, but I’m rocking it. Sitting on a horse for long periods can be challenging, and having no prior experience with horses presented its own set of challenges. I did take a riding lesson before flying out for this, and they have some amazing trainers on set guiding us through. I love my horse on set, and it’s actually been a lot of fun riding. Other than that, I haven’t faced too many challenges yet—other than being away from my wife, of course. Hi, Tris!
You are an experienced actor, how much work: creativity, energy or focus do you put into your scenes?
Steven Sutherland (SS): The script becomes my own personal journal, one I wouldn’t dare share with anyone else. Every page gets flooded with notes and thoughts, from my scene objectives to my personal ways of relating to the dialogue. When I’m home for the night, I spend an embarrassingly large amount of time in the bathroom where I’m staying, going over my lines and reflecting.
Music is also a big part of my process—each of my characters has a song. This feature film is only in production for a few weeks, so we don’t have a lot of time to prepare on the day. You really have to show up having done the work and be ready to rock. We do have our time with Shane for blocking and to ask questions, it’s super important as a director to trust your actors and as an actor to trust your director, especially on films with a short, strict schedule as this one.
What themes or messages in the film resonate most with you personally?
Steven Sutherland (SS): Wild Faith is about the first adoption train in America, raising awareness about the need for loving homes for children. I truly believe there’s something special about creating, not just a good movie, but a good movie with a meaningful message. This sequel focuses more on a side-story that delves deeper into the adoption process and the struggle to ensure children are placed in loving homes. I have friends who run an adoption agency, and seeing firsthand how much better children fare when they find loving homes has inspired me to raise more awareness around adoption through movies.
How does this project compare to your past work in terms of experience or personal growth as an actor?
Steven Sutherland (SS): This project is unlike anything I’ve done before. The closest comparison would be Time Boys 2, where I played a gangster in the 1920s. Now, I get to portray an outlaw in the 1880s. There was definitely more physical preparation for this movie, especially since I had to learn to ride a horse. I also did extensive research on real outlaw gunslingers from the 1800s, which helped me gain a better understanding of the mindset of a man who would choose such a life. Then, I also spent a lot of time studying characters from other films, particularly Sam Rockwell’s portrayal of Wild Bill in The Green Mile. I love his energy in that film and his unpredictability.
I’m older now, and I’ve been through a lot in life. I’ve learned how to channel those experiences, which has given me the confidence I didn’t have when I was younger. A role like this requires a level of maturity that I didn’t possess back then. With more life experience, I’m able to bring a deeper understanding to the character—something I might have missed as a younger actor
What excites you most about how the movie is going to be received by audiences?
Steven Sutherland (SS): I know this project is going to receive significant exposure and, hopefully, earn some well-deserved awards. My hope is that it will help advance my career and open up more opportunities for me to keep working. I’m also incredibly excited about the chance to raise awareness around adoption. Children need loving homes, and it’s crucial that people become more aware of this pressing issue.
How do you get into character?
Steven Sutherland (SS): For me, it’s really about understanding the scene and my overall objective within the entire story. I focus on figuring out what my character wants and what they’re trying to achieve in each moment to move closer to their ultimate goal. I look for the small quirks and nuances in a character—maybe it’s a hard blink or a specific way they stand—that I can latch onto. It’s both simple and complex. You do all the work—script breakdowns, backstory—and then you show up and let it go. It’s essential to really listen to your scene partner and react authentically. Hopefully, everyone does their work, and it all comes together in a way you didn’t even plan. It’s never about me; it’s always about them. Hopefully, by the time I put on my boots, I’ve done the work, and I am Harley—the outlaw ready to wreak havoc.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set?
Steven Sutherland (SS): I bought a leather pouch to stuff tobacco chew in but it’s actually beef jerky. I keep that stuffed in my lip and it really brings the character together for me. It’s small but it works well.
Tell us about your new exciting projects?
Steven Sutherland (SS): well! I almost booked a lead role in a feature film while i was working on this movie but the scheduling conflict with this movie stopped that from happening. I do have a project lined up with Wes and Amanda Llewellyn that i can’t say much about yet. Other than that I’m going to be working on getting an agent again back in Atlanta so i can start auditioning again.
What advice would you give younger actors who want to make it a full time career?
Steven Sutherland (SS): Focus on the craft not the fame. Don’t destroy your life pursuing it. If you’re in it for the fame you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Don’t sacrifice your principles for anyone. This a business and you are the product. Don’t sell yourself short.
How can people keep up with your career?
Steven Sutherland (SS): You can always check out MY IMDB to see what projects I’m working on. My website is updated frequently with career and personal life updates. www.StevenBrianSutherland.com
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